Social welfare: Key NPP manifesto promises

Abstract

The NPP Presidential Election manifesto for 2024 outlines various promises to support vulnerable groups in Sri Lanka. The focus appears to be on improving the welfare of low-income families, people with disabilities, senior citizens, and addressing women's and children's needs.

- Providing a minimum monthly financial grant from Rs. 10,000 upwards to low- income families

- Provision of a monthly financial aid of Rs. 10,000 to persons with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

- Providing a monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000 to senior citizens needing assistance.

- Offer tax incentives to non-profit care institutions for persons with disabilities.

- Offer tax exemptions to import assistive devices used by persons with disabilities.

- An interest rate that is 5% higher than the normal bank rate(s) for senior citizens' fixed deposits.

- Financial assistance for affected individuals; women-headed families, single parent families and women affected by gender-based/intimate partner violence, based on needs and income levels.

- Provision of financial support for nutritious food packages during pregnancy and the first year of childbirth for low-income families.

- Establishing a fund to implement an insurance coverage system that ensures protection for all senior citizens.

- Expand financial assistance for low-income families with persons with disabilities to engage in self-employment

- Provide relief to deprived parties after reviewing microfinance loans provided in violation of legal provisions and guidelines given.

- Increasing budgetary allocation to critical areas, including education, health, social services and other essential child welfare sectors with a special focus on marginalised and vulnerable groups.

- Establishment of Childcare Centers at the Grama Niladari level with public and private partnerships based on needs and requests.

- Establishment of new elderly care centers at the divisional secretariat level.

- Government support and regulation of private care centers.

- Modifying train stations and bus stops for easy accessibility and use by disabled and elderly